Designer Tory Burch drew inspiration for her latest collection from Eric Rohmer’s classic film « L’amour l’après-midi » and blended it with chic equestrian staples.
This melange of upper crust 70s sportswear was a spot-on step into the past, one that was still able to maintain a sense of modernity.
To be fair, it is really hard not to look coolly sophisticated when outfitted in English riding attire. A tailored riding jacket in Liberty floral print, slim jodhpurs and coats crafted in colorblock wool reminiscent of a horse blanket are just going to be sure bet pieces. Women currently fight over the vintage versions of these styles so Burch’s head for business could be felt in the strong commercial viability of this lineup.
That is not to say the collection felt calculated. Far from it. Burch really does exist, and grew up in, the rarified world this collection celebrates. She was an avid horserider as a child and she experienced the grace of this style first hand in her formative years.
All of that up close and personal knowledge could be felt on the catwalk. The sequined diamond pattern tops and dresses and the colorful stripped skirts brought to mind horse jockey jerseys. The red, white and blue top sticking on a jacket hinted at the edging used on horse tack and the colorful scarves tied jauntily around the neck brought in a feisty bandit touch.
This collection gave Burch a first place finish.